Imagine a home entirely powered by the sun. It’s efficient with a centralized, tablet-based control system that allows the owners to visualize and plan their home’s energy use. Its design is simple with modern features for comfort and utility. And its layout can adapt to the lifestyle of the young and the old.

Team Tidewater, a group of about 18 architecture, engineering and communications students, is one of 20 teams selected to compete in the worldwide Solar Decathlon at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. It’s the second time the team has participated in the competition. They placed 14th in 2011.

The students are building the house on Hampton University’s campus. It will be shipped to California in pieces.

The teams will be judged in 10 different contests. The winning team will be the one that best blends cost-effectiveness, consumer appeal and design with optimal energy production and efficiency.

This article reprinted from materials provided by Old Dominion University.